Chapter 377

Bian Liang Huangcheng, Cining Palace.

The atmosphere here was starkly different from the solemn gravity of Zichen Hall and the busy affairs of Chuigong Hall.

Within the palace grounds, trees and flowers flourished; a few late-blooming magnolias dotted the branches, exuding a refined fragrance.

Inside the hall, a soothing light fragrance lingered; the furnishings were elegant and cozy, lacking a bit of imperial dignity and gaining a touch of homely warmth.

Chen Wen removed his heavy court robes, changed into loose everyday clothes, and sat in a sandalwood armchair cushioned with soft padding.

The solemn dignity and fatigue that usually gathered in his brows seemed to fade somewhat at this moment.

His mother, Empress Dowager Liu Shi, wore a crimson-purple everyday robe and sat on the couch opposite him.

Although she was nearing sixty, with white streaks at her temples and lines of age on her face, her spirit looked quite vigorous, her eyes kind and clear.

She was holding the hand of a roughly five- or six-year-old sturdy-looking boy, stuffing delicate pastries into his palm.

That boy was the second son of Chen Wen's sister Chen Wan, named Hutou; he was a bit restrained now, yet couldn't help staring at the tempting pastries.

"Eat more; this is the time to grow your body."

Liu Shi's voice was gentle, carrying the old woman's characteristic nagging.

"In the palace, you needn't be restrained; treat it like your own home."

Chen Wan sat on a lower embroidered stool, watching her son with a gentle smile on her face.

She was no longer the frail, terrified twelve-year-old girl rescued from the demon's den years ago.

Having been married for many years, she lived in comfort and peace, her brows and eyes showing only tranquility; yet when she occasionally glanced at her elder brother Chen Wen, a faint reliance and reverence still flickered in her eyes.

Beside her sat her husband, the current Commandant of Fruit Valor, Zhang Xiao.

Zhang Xiao came from a military family, was steady and capable, and enjoyed a good reputation in the army.

Now, before the emperor who was also his maternal uncle, he sat upright with solemn respect, occasionally responding to the Empress Dowager's questions.

"Hutou, hurry up and thank your grandma."

Chen Wan softly reminded her son.

Hutou then reacted, clutching the pastry in his small hand, awkwardly about to kneel and kowtow.

"No need, no need."

Chen Wen waved his hand, revealing a rare genuine smile on his face.

"At Grandma's place, there aren't so many rules."

He looked at Hutou, as if seeing the shadow of himself and his sister struggling to survive in Jiao Tu Zhen many years ago.

Back then, who could have imagined they would ever have such a scene today?

To be able to sit peacefully in this splendid palace, enjoying the joy of family.

"Elder brother, you've been working hard lately; you look thinner again."

Chen Wan said with concern, her gaze falling on the deeper-looking wrinkles at the corners of Chen Wen's eyes compared to last time they met.

"Although state affairs are heavy, you must still cherish your holy body."

Upon hearing this, Liu Shi immediately turned her gaze to her son, her eyes full of heartache.

"Yes, Wen Zhong."

She still habitually called her son by his given name.

"Mother knows you bear a heavy burden on your shoulders, but this body is the foundation."

"I heard you've been coughing badly these past few days; have you been taking the medicine the imperial doctors prescribed on time?"

"Don't be like before in Xiongzhou, neglecting yourself……"

Bringing up the old matters of Xiongzhou, the old woman's tone carried a hint of lingering fear and resentment.

Chen Wen felt a warm glow in his heart and patiently replied:

"Mother, Wan'er, there's no need to worry."

"It's just a slight chill; it's already fine."

"The Imperial Medical Bureau has been taking good care of me; I…… I know my own condition."

He naturally could not tell his family the truth that using his ability caused backlash and drained his lifespan, lest he add to their worries.

"I know, I know, you say that every time."

Liu Shi sighed, no longer pursuing it, and turned her gaze to the calmly seated Prince Chen Hong below Chen Wen.

"Hong'er, you've grown quite tall lately; I heard you followed Minister Zhang to the river works and learned a lot?"

Chen Hong today wore casual clothes, appearing more relaxed than in formal settings.

Upon hearing his grandmother's question, he immediately rose and respectfully answered:

"Grandma, I followed Master Zhang to the Bian River worksite, observed the dredging and embankment reinforcement, and also saw the Ministry of Works' newly built 'Dragon-Stirring Ship,' which was quite marvelous."

"Master Zhang taught me that governing requires knowing the people's livelihood is hard and that grain and finances are not easy."

He spoke clearly and respectfully; though his voice was childish, he already bore the beginnings of a heir's demeanor.

Liu Shi looked at her grandson, her eyes full of affection and gratification.

"Good, good, as long as you study hard, that's enough."

She beckoned Chen Hong closer, taking his hand to examine him carefully.

"When your father was your age, he was still…… alas, let's not mention those old matters."

"You now live in fortunate times; you should study hard, understand principles, and someday relieve your father's worries."

"I will keep Grandma's teachings in mind," Chen Hong replied obediently.

Chen Wan also smiled and said to Chen Hong:

"Your Highness the Crown Prince is becoming ever more steady; seeing that, Aunt feels pleased as well."

She then turned her head and said to Chen Wen:

Elder brother, Hu Tou's father recently returned from patrolling the northern borders with the army, saying that the defenses in the north are now tight, General Shi Dun governs the troops well, the people live in peace—all this is due to your diligent governance, elder brother.

Chen Wen gave a slight nod, looking toward Zhang Xiao.

The temporary peace in the north, the soldiers' devotion, also owes a share of merit to Minister Zhang and the others.

Now the Khitan interior is unstable, with Empress Xiao in power; the border appears calm, but undercurrents surge.

You commanders guarding the frontier must be especially vigilant and cannot slack.

Zhang Xiao hastily rose to his feet, his expression solemn, and replied:

I, your servant, will faithfully follow Your Majesty's teachings, dutifully fulfill my duties, and dare not betray your grace!

Please sit; today's family feast requires no such formality." Chen Wen gestured for him to sit down.

The conversation gradually shifted from state affairs to everyday matters.

Liu Shi asked about Chen Wan's household matters and Hu Tou's early studies;

Chen Wan chatted about the town's gossip— which shop had released new patterns of silk, which place's candied fruit tasted best…

Chen Wen mostly just listened quietly, occasionally interjecting a sentence or two, savoring this rare, apolitical warmth.

He gazed at his mother's kind profile, his sister's contented smile, his nephew's innocent, bewildered eyes, and the crown prince's increasingly steady demeanor.

All of this is what he has struggled with all his might to protect.

Perhaps this mortal world's hustle and bustle, the simple joy of family life, is the true meaning behind all his campaigns and schemes.

Yet beneath this warm atmosphere, a faint melancholy and sense of urgency continually lingered in his heart.

His mother was advanced in years; though her spirit was still sound, time spared no one;

the crown prince, though growing, still had a long way to go before he could truly bear the weight of the realm;

and he himself… the backlash from the Battle of Xiongzhou, as well as the erosion of natural law, made him clearly feel that his vitality was inevitably draining.

How much longer can he safeguard this peace?

Wenzhong,

Liu Shi seemed to notice her son's momentary distraction and called softly:

Mother knows it's not easy for you.

The realm and the myriad people all rest upon your shoulders.

Mother can't help you with anything; I only hope you… will be more open-minded and not push yourself too hard.

Some matters that should be delegated to subordinates, just delegate them;

Let Hong'er gain experience where needed, give him more opportunities to do so.

Though she did not finish her words, the meaning was clear: she was reminding Chen Wen to establish the heir early and gradually delegate authority, preparing for the future.

Chen Wen grasped his mother's somewhat withered hand and nodded.

Mother, I understand.

How could he not know?

But the imperial vessel has just entered relatively calm waters, with hidden currents and reefs still all around.

How could he, the helmsman, easily let go?

The lingering glow of the sunset streamed through the lattice windows, casting long shadows of everyone inside the hall.

The atmosphere of the family feast remained harmonious.

Hu Tou finally relaxed, running to and fro in the hall;

Chen Wan laughed while scolding him;

Liu Shi gazed at her grandson and her son-in-law's son, the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes smoothing out;

Chen Hong also rarely showed a smile befitting his age.

Chen Wen took all this in, and the heaviness in his heart from affairs of state and his body seemed to melt a little in this warmth.

This moment of familial joy, like a spring in the desert, nourished his weary body and mind.

It allowed him to catch his breath and strengthened his resolve.

No matter how arduous the road ahead, he must uphold a clear sky for this family and for myriad families like it.

Until… the day he can no longer hold it up.